Furniture preferences in preschool education institutions in Isparta

Preschool education is the period in which children's physical and emotional development, as well as their intelligence development, which affects their entire lives, rapidly occur and take shape. In this period when their cognitive levels develop, children are affected by all the equipment they use in their environment and with which they are in constant contact. In the thesis study, first of all, a comprehensive literature research was conducted, and then the furniture preferences of public pre-school education institutions in Isparta were examined using the observation technique, one of the qualitative research methods. In a total of 19 pre-school education institutions of various sizes operating in Isparta Center and surrounding districts, evaluations were made in terms of the furniture used, material type, compliance with anthropometric dimensions, and risks that may occur after the furniture wears out, using observation and photography techniques. As a result of the study, it was determined that furniture provided by the Ministry of National Education was used in furniture preferences in public pre-school education institutions, furniture made of wood composite panels was mostly used in wood-based products, and plastic-based products were preferred more in chair preferences. Recommendations have been developed by stating that the currently used furniture is in line with the measurements reported by the Ministry of National Education in terms of dimensional conformity, however, wooden chairs, tables and storage elements may pose risks in terms of accidents, injuries and health as a result of various wear and tear and not performing or following up the necessary repairs and maintenance on time. It has been suggested to expand the use of wood, which is a sustainable and natural material, in preschool education institutions, in order for children aged 0-6, who spend most of the day in contact with furniture elements in pre-school education institutions, for their cognitive development and education in a healthy environment.